Trending News: Can You Now Say Kobe Is Better Than Jordan?

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Long Story Short

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has moved up to 32,310 career points, moving him ahead of Chicago Bulls' legend Michael Jordan and becoming the third top scorer in NBA basketball history.

Long Story

On Sunday night, Kobe Bryant made another piece of history. When the Los Angeles Lakers hero hit a second-quarter free throw against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he took his total career points to 32,293 and overtook the great Michael Jordan’s 32,292. Kobe took 26 points on the night to end on 32,310 as the Lakers won 100-94.

Kobe said of MJ: "He’s been such a huge part of my success and my career – offering mentorship. That relationship has meant everything."

Jordan is one of basketball’s most beloved players whose name was synonymous with the sport during his career. While Kobe divides public opinion a bit more, there was no doubting his historic achievement — and the crowd rose to give him a standing ovation at the Target Center. Kobe has played much of his career in Jordan’s shadow, measuring every achievement against his idol, and now he has finally broken clear.

When it comes to midterms, you can call me Kobe because there's no way I'm going to pass.

The man Kobe overtook was quick to hail his effort. “I congratulate Kobe on reaching this milestone,” Jordan said to the Associated Press. “He’s obviously a great player, with a strong work ethic and has an equally strong passion for the game of basketball. I’ve enjoyed watching his game evolve over the years, and I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.”

Say what u want about Kobe. At 36 & after 19 years & all the injuries, to still be at this level is mind-boggling.

Bryant, who is 36, is now the third highest scorer of all-time and is still averaging 25.4 points per game, which is the second best in the NBA. However, he remains around 4,000 short of Karl Malone’s total and just over 6,000 behind leader Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who managed a staggering 38,387 and will not be caught.

“I’m just honored to be here, man, to still be playing,” Kobe said. “I appreciate being able to play this long. [Jordan] knows how much I’ve learned from him. From the other legends, but from him in particular.”

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question: Is Kobe really better than Michael Jordan?

Disrupt Your Feed: Kobe's a selfish player — it's no wonder he's scored so many points.

Drop This Fact: The man who fouled Kobe for his record breaking free throw, Zach LaVine, was one year old when Kobe Bryant made his NBA debut on November 3, 1996.